Lexical Summary shear: rest, remainder Original Word: שְׁאָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance whatsoever more, residue, rest (Aramaic) corresponding to sh'ar -- X whatsoever more, residue, rest. see HEBREW sh'ar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to shear Definition rest, remainder NASB Translation remainder (2), rest (10). Topical Lexicon OverviewShe’ar denotes “the rest” or “the remainder.” Used twelve times in Ezra and Daniel, it consistently highlights what is left after an initial selection, event, or judgment. Whether describing people, possessions, or the remnants of beasts in apocalyptic vision, the word invites reflection on God’s preservation of a portion and His sovereign control over outcomes. Distribution of Occurrences • Ezra 4:9, 4:10 (twice), 4:17 (twice), 6:16, 7:18, 7:20 – eight occurrences in the post-exilic narratives Ezra: The Restored Community and Its Resources 1. Remaining Populations The opposition letter to King Artaxerxes is sent by “Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates” (Ezra 4:9, 10, 17). Here she’ar identifies the broader coalition of peoples transplanted to Samaria. Their united front against the temple project underscores the fragility of Judah’s remnant and the need for divine protection. 2. Remaining Exiles At the temple dedication “the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy” (Ezra 6:16). She’ar highlights those preserved through exile now gathered in worship, a living testimony to God’s covenant faithfulness. 3. Remaining Wealth “Whatever is left over of the silver and gold, you may do with it as seems best to you and your brothers, in accordance with the will of your God” (Ezra 7:18). The term again appears in 7:20 concerning “whatever else is required.” The word marks surplus resources entrusted to faithful stewards, reminding readers that all provision, whether large or small, belongs to God. Daniel: The Remnant amid Empires 1. Daniel and the Wise Men Facing Nebuchadnezzar’s death decree, Daniel seeks mercy “concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon” (Daniel 2:18). The contrast between Daniel and “the rest” sets the stage for God’s revelatory grace and Daniel’s rise. 2. Beastly Remnants in Apocalyptic Vision In these passages she’ar depicts what survives the destructive power of successive empires. Even terrifying regimes cannot eradicate all; a residue remains under God’s timing until His kingdom prevails. Theological Themes • Divine Preservation Whether a community returning from exile or a prophet in Babylonian courts, “the rest” survives because the Lord ordains it. The word therefore complements the broader biblical motif of a faithful remnant. • Stewardship of Surplus Ezra’s use connects the concept of “leftover” resources with responsible worship. God supplies more than immediate need, calling His people to discern how best to honor Him with the surplus. • Judgment and Mercy Daniel’s visions portray partial destruction followed by a measured allowance of life: God judges yet restrains total annihilation, underscoring both His justice and patience. Prophetic and Eschatological Significance She’ar in Daniel anticipates the ultimate triumph of the Son of Man’s kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). The trampling of “what was left” by the fourth beast intensifies longing for final deliverance. Meanwhile, the granted “extension of life” to the remaining beasts reveals that even the fragments of human power persist only under divine permission until Christ’s reign is fully manifested. Practical Ministry Insights 1. Encourage the Faithful Few Congregations may feel small or marginalized, yet Scripture affirms God’s purpose for the remainder He preserves. 2. Cultivate Wise Management Surplus funds or talents should be prayerfully directed “as seems best… in accordance with the will of your God” (Ezra 7:18). 3. Preach Hope amid Turbulence Like Daniel’s contemporaries, believers today witness powerful systems. She’ar reminds them that God limits the scope and duration of worldly dominion. Christological Connections The theme of the remnant finds its climax in Jesus Christ, who gathers “the rest” into one new people. Just as remnants of wealth in Ezra funded temple worship, Christ’s redeeming work consecrates the residue of humanity for a living temple (1 Peter 2:5). And as the monstrous powers in Daniel could not outlast God’s decree, so “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Summary She’ar, though a small noun, threads through narratives of return, resource, and revelation. It testifies that God always keeps a remainder—people, provision, or prophetic promise—by which He advances His redemptive plan until the fullness of His kingdom comes. Forms and Transliterations בִּשְׁאָ֛ר בשאר וּשְׁאָ֖ר וּשְׁאָ֗ר וּשְׁאָ֣ר וּשְׁאָ֥ר וּשְׁאָ֧ר וּשְׁאָר֙ וּשְׁאָרָ֖א ושאר ושארא שְׁאָ֖ר שאר biš’ār biš·’ār bishAr šə’ār šə·’ār sheAr ū·šə·’ā·rā ū·šə·’ār ūšə’ār ūšə’ārā usheAr usheaRaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:9 HEB: וְשִׁמְשַׁי֙ סָֽפְרָ֔א וּשְׁאָ֖ר כְּנָוָתְה֑וֹן דִּ֠ינָיֵא NAS: the scribe and the rest of their colleagues, KJV: the scribe, and the rest of their companions; INT: and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their colleagues the judges Ezra 4:10 Ezra 4:10 Ezra 4:17 Ezra 4:17 Ezra 6:16 Ezra 7:18 Ezra 7:20 Daniel 2:18 Daniel 7:7 Daniel 7:12 Daniel 7:19 12 Occurrences |
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